TEER: How to Classify Your NOC Skill Level

As you embark on your journey to work in Canada, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the country's labor market and the various systems in place to classify occupations. The Canadian government has created the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to classify occupations in Canada. This system classifies every occupation in Canada based on industry, duties, seniority, and skill level. One of the most vital aspects of immigrating to Canada is your skill level, as it determines which immigration programs you're eligible for, which jobs you can apply to, and the lifestyle you can expect in Canada. 

The Canadian government bases job skill levels based on Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. This classification is generally referred to as TEER. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the TEER system, its relationship with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, and how to successfully navigate it for a fulfilling career in Canada.

The NOC TEER system Canada is an essential tool for anyone seeking to work in the country. By understanding the different TEER levels and how they relate to various occupations, you can make more informed decisions about your career path and ensure that you are well-prepared to succeed in the Canadian labor market.

A solid grasp of the NOC TEER system Canada is essential for anyone seeking employment there. It allows you to identify your desired occupation's qualifications, skills, and experience and helps plan your professional development. Additionally, it is a valuable tool for employers, as it helps them to accurately assess candidates' competencies and match them with suitable job opportunities.

In the following sections, you will learn about the TEER system, how it works, and how it differs from the old NOC Canada system for checking skill levels. You'll also find answers to some frequently asked questions about the TEER system and practical tips for mastering it to make the most of your career in Canada. Learn more about how Canada's National Occupational Classification system works.

What is the NOC's TEER System Canada?

The NOC TEER system Canada was developed to provide a more accurate and detailed understanding of the Canadian labor market, enabling better decision-making for job seekers, employers, and policymakers. It is part of the NOC system, specifically referring to the skill level required for each occupation, and not a standalone system.

Previously, the NOC Canada would classify jobs as NOC skill levels based on their primary duties and responsibilities. The TEER system takes a more holistic approach. It considers the tasks performed in a given occupation and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform those tasks effectively. This makes the TEER system a more dynamic and versatile tool for analyzing and understanding the Canadian labor market.

How Does TEER Canada Work?

The TEER system Canada has five levels: TEER 1 through 5. Each level represents a different combination of training, education, experience, and responsibilities, with TEER 1 being the lowest and TEER 5 being the highest. Occupations are assigned a specific TEER level based on the complexity and scope of their required competencies.

TEER 0

TEER 0 Occupations specifically refer to management positions. These high-level positions in organizations involve a wide range of responsibilities, including setting organizational goals and strategies, managing budgets and resources, overseeing operations and staff, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. These positions are responsible for overseeing the work of others and ensuring that organizational goals are met. These positions may include Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), and other high-level executives.

TEER 1

TEER 1 occupations usually require a graduate degree or professional designation and involve tasks that demand exceptional analytical, creative, or leadership abilities. Workers in these jobs have significant decision-making authority and are often responsible for managing resources, developing strategies, and overseeing the work of others. Examples of TEER 5 occupations include physicians, lawyers, and university professors.

TEER 2

TEER 2 occupations usually require a post-secondary diploma, certificate, or apprenticeship and involve tasks requiring moderate independent judgment and decision-making, such as supervisory or trade occupations. These jobs often require workers to analyze information, solve problems, and communicate effectively with others. Examples of TEER 2 occupations include licensed practical nurses, electricians, and paralegals.

TEER 3

TEER 3 occupations generally require a high school diploma or equivalent and some job-specific training. Workers in these jobs perform tasks that are more complex than those in TEER 4 and 5 but still have limited autonomy and decision-making authority. Examples of TEER 3 occupations include administrative assistants, security guards, and customer service representatives.

TEER 4

Occupations in TEER 4 usually require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. As a result, these jobs are often service or retail jobs, which usually require basic background knowledge. Some jobs in this category include home childcare providers, retail salespersons, visual merchandisers, delivery service drivers, door-to-door distributors, and dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations.

TEER 5

TEER 5 occupations typically require little formal education or training and involve repetitive tasks. These jobs often have limited decision-making responsibility and do not require the worker to exercise much independent judgment. Examples of TEER 1 occupations include janitors, cashiers, and general laborers.

How does the TEER System Canada differ from the Old NOC Canada Skill Levels?

The main difference between the TEER system Canada and the old NOC Canada system lies in their approach to classifying occupations. While the NOC system focuses on a given occupation's primary duties and responsibilities, the TEER system takes a more comprehensive view of classifying occupations than the old NOC system. While the NOC system focuses on an occupation's primary duties and responsibilities, the TEER system considers the tasks performed and the training, education, experience, and responsibilities required to perform those tasks effectively.

This fundamental difference makes the TEER system more dynamic and versatile for understanding the Canadian labor market. It allows for a more nuanced analysis of the skills and competencies required in different occupations, which can help job seekers, employers, and policymakers make better decisions about training, hiring, and workforce development. This is why the TEER system has six levels, including a TEER for supervisory roles, and the NOC skill level list did not. 

How to Work in Canada

Learning your TEER level is one of the most important parts of starting your pathway to work in Canada. Your TEER level can help you determine which immigration or visa pathways you're most eligible for. However, workers in all TEER levels can be eligible for a Canadian work permit, provided they fulfill all requirements. Here's a full breakdown of how to get a Canadian work permit to help you start your journey.

FAQs

How Does the TEER System Affect Immigration to Canada?

Understanding the TEER system is essential for anyone planning to immigrate to Canada, as it can help you identify the occupations in demand and the qualifications required for those jobs. The Canadian government uses the TEER system and the NOC code to determine eligibility for various immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Provincial Nominee Program.

How Can I Determine the TEER Level of My Occupation?

You can determine the TEER level of your occupation by consulting the TEER system Canada website or the Canadian government's Job Bank. These resources provide detailed information about the training, education, experience, and responsibilities required for various occupations and can help you identify the TEER level that best matches your job.

Can the TEER System Help Me Decide Which Occupation to Pursue?

Yes, the TEER system can be an invaluable tool for career planning, as it allows you to compare different occupations based on their required competencies and skill levels. By analyzing the TEER levels of various jobs, you can better understand the qualifications and experience needed to succeed in your chosen field and make more informed decisions about your education and professional development.

Take Your Career to the Next Level in Canada

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the TEER system and use it to guide your professional development. With a solid grasp of the TEER system and a commitment to continuous learning and development, you can increase your chances of finding fulfilling work in Canada and building a successful career.

Whether you're a recent graduate, a skilled worker, or an experienced professional, the TEER system Canada offers valuable insights into the Canadian labor market and the skills and competencies needed to succeed in different occupations. By mastering the TEER system and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in your field, you can position yourself for success and achieve your career goals in Canada.

If you're planning to work in Canada, take the time to learn more about the TEER system and how it can help you achieve your professional goals. With the right skills, knowledge, and experience, you can build a successful career in Canada and contribute to the country's dynamic and diverse workforce.

Are you planning to work in Canada? Ensure you thoroughly understand the TEER system Canada and how it can help you achieve your career goals. Consult the Canadian government's Job Bank and the TEER system Canada website for more information, and start planning your path to success today!